arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Donnachie.
Predictions for deep Virtual Compton Scattering are obtained in a two-component dipole model of diffraction. The model automatically includes hard and soft components and implicitly allows for ``hadronic'' contributions via large dipoles. It is also applicable to real Compton Scattering, which provides an important constraint.
The energy available for gamma(*)gamma(*) physics at LEP2 is opening a new window on the study of diffractive phenomena, both non-perturbative and perturbative. We discuss some of the uncertainties and problems connected with the experimental measurements and their interpretation.
Recent small-t ZEUS data for exclusive rho photoproduction are in excellent agreement with exchange of the classical soft pomeron with slope alpha'=0.25 GeV^{-2}. Adding in a flavour-blind hard-pomeron contribution, whose magnitude is calculated from the data for exclusive J/psi photoproduction, gives a good fit also to the ZEUS data for rho photoproduction at larger values of t, and to phi photoproduction.
The ZEUS data on the charm structure function F_2^c at small x fit well to a single power of x, corresponding to the exchange of a hard pomeron that is flavour-blind. When combined with the contribution from the exchange of a soft pomeron, the hard pomeron gives a good description of elastic $J/ψ$ photoproduction.
The current state of analysis of e+e- annihilation below 2.0 GeV and of the vector component of tau decay is reviewed. The evidence for and against the presence of hybrid vectors is discussed. It is concluded that the data strongly favour their inclusion, and the consequences of this are outlined.
Regge theory provides a very simple and economical description of data for (i) the proton structure function with x<0.07 and all available Q^2 values, (ii) the charm structure function, and (iii) gamma p --> J/psi p. The data are all in agreement with the assumption that there is a second pomeron, with intercept about 1.4 . They suggest also that the contribution from the soft pomeron is higher twist. This means that there is an urgent need to make perturbative evolution compatible with Regge theory at small and not-so-small x, and to reassess the magnitude of higher-twist contributions at quite small x.
It is shown that colour transparency causes nonperturbative colour-singlet final-state interactions to have a negligible effect on the production rate and the dijet mass spectra in $e^+e^-\to WW$. However, the same cannot be said of nonperturbative colour-octet exchange, for which we show that there are indications of observable effects, though we are unable to present precise estimates.
Existing data on total cross sections, on elastic scattering at small, moderate and large values of $t$, and on diffraction dissociation, reveal a surprisingly simple phenomenology, but they throw up many questions for the LHC to answer.
Existing data for large-$t$ $pp$ elastic-scattering differential cross-sections are energy-independent and behave as $t^{-8}$. This has been explained in terms of triple-gluon exchange, or alternatively through triple-singlet exchange. A discussion is given of the problems raised by each of these explanations, and of the possibility that at RHIC or LHC energies the exchange of three BFKL pomerons might result in a rapid rise with energy.
An estimate is derived for the absolute magnitude of BFKL pomeron exchange at $t=0$. The analysis takes account of energy conservation and of the need realistically to model nonperturbative contributions to the BFKL integral from infrared regions. Experiment finds that there is little or no room for a significant BFKL term in soft processes, and this constrains its magnitude in hard and semihard processes, so that it is unlikely to be detectable.
Exclusive vector meson production from real and virtual photons is, for the most part, described well by soft pomeron exchange. However, there are some unsolved normalisation problems, and just a hint that an additional contribution from hard pomeron exchange may be needed.
Soft pomeron exchange at high energy includes minijet production at central rapidity values. This predicts copious production of minijets in deep inelastic scattering at small $x$, which is closely related to the fact that $νW_2$ exhibits Regge behaviour. It helps to explain also how the integrated inclusive cross-section for minijet production in $γp$ or $pp$ collisions can be much greater than the total cross-section.
A fit is made to the data for the proton structure function up to Q^2=10 GeV^2, including the real gamma p total cross-section. It is economical and simple, and its form is motivated by physical principles. It is extrapolated down to very small values of x. Data for the ratio (nu W_2^n/nu W_2^p) are also fitted. A FORTRAN program for the fit to (nu W_2^p) is available by email on request Figure 5 from the original version has been deleted.
Regge theory provides a very simple and economical description of all total cross sections
We calculate the cross-section for events at HERA where the proton loses only a minute fraction of its initial energy, all of which goes into producing a single pair of transverse jets.